Are you struggling to get paid for your work? You’re not alone. According to recent surveys, many small businesses are facing issues related to slow or non-payment from their clients.
Research shows that companies take an average of 45 days (or more) to receive payment after submitting invoices. This is known as “net 45” payment terms.
It can be frustrating and disruptive to cash flow for these companies. But what causes this problem, and how can we solve it and get timely payment?
Let’s explore some insights on this topic, provide resources for addressing delayed invoice payment, and understand the basic invoice terms in detail using a free online invoicing system.
What is Net 45?
A net 45 payment refers to the time a company has to submit its payment for goods or services rendered due upon receipt. It is one of the common payment terms.
When it comes to invoice payment, such invoice payment terms matter a lot. It is the required payment time available to the customer to complete the payment from the invoice date.
In other words, it’s the maximum number of days allowed between when an order was placed and when payment must arrive. For instance, if a customer orders products online and delivery occurs within two weeks, they have up to another four weeks to settle the bill without incurring any extra fees on the invoice total.
Hence, a net 45 payment term means the buyer receives 45 additional days past the standard Net Terms before starting to accumulate interest on their purchase balance.
To receive timely payments, as a business, you must write effective invoice terms and mention relevant details, especially due dates.
When Does Net 45 Start?
When considering a net 45 days payment plan, understanding when the timing begins is crucial regarding calendar days. Each agreement between sellers and purchasers may differ based on specific circumstances involved in the transaction.
Generally, the start of the net 45 days period commences either when the product reaches the intended location or when all obligations associated with deliverables are satisfied and the client receives the invoice. As soon as the specified deadline expires, unpaid amounts will gather interest charges until fully resolved.
It is not new in the market and hence is considered a common invoice payment term (similar to Net 30, Net 60, etc.)
Providers benefit greatly from confirming these effective invoice payment terms with their buyers in writing since it helps prevent potential disputes regarding outstanding balances further down the line.
Establishing different expectations and repercussions at the offset allows both sides to approach their roles confidently and collaborate successfully throughout their dealings.
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How To Calculate Net 45 Terms?
Calculating net 45 terms requires careful consideration of several factors, such as your company’s credit policies, typical sales cycle, and the project’s expected duration. First, determine whether the net 45 calculation includes shipping times.
Then, add the calculated lead time to your desired payment due date to determine the final due date for the invoice. Finally, calculate the total payment due, including taxes and discounts if applicable.
You can search for net 45 calculator online too!
Ensure you communicate payment terms to your client so there are no misunderstandings about payment schedules. Always review your accounts receivable regularly to ensure prompt payment of outstanding debts.
Examples of Net 45 Payment Terms
Below are some examples of how companies use net 45 terms effectively and manage risk and smooth out the accounts payable process:
Importance of Net 45
In today’s competitive business landscape, having flexible and adaptive financial solutions is essential to sustaining growth and staying ahead of the competition. One of these valuable tools is the net 45 payment term, allowing firms to optimize their cash flow while accommodating customer needs without jeopardizing profits.
While this option has gained popularity among B2B transactions, many small to midsize organizations grapple with deciding whether or not to adopt them.
Let us examine why embracing net 45 payment terms can benefit any organization looking to expand its horizons.
1. Enhanced Payment Flexibility
First off, net 45 offers enhanced payment flexibility over traditional Net 30 or Net 60 plans. Instead of receiving payment within 30 or 60 days, customers have up to 45 days before they owe money to the vendor.
This longer window enables better alignment of resources around larger projects. It minimizes strain on liquid assets while improving overall capital efficiency. For example, construction or engineering companies often work on massive infrastructure initiatives spanning months or years where net 45 benefits offer smoother budget planning during prolonged projects.
Similarly, software development groups with extensive customization endeavors enjoy increased operational room to navigate complex tasks while negotiating reasonable payment terms with clients.
2. Tighter Collaboration and Stronger Buyer-Vendor Relationships
Second, net 45 encourages tighter collaboration and stronger buyer-vendor relationships by fostering mutual trust and reliability. Since payments arrive beyond the standard payment range, suppliers must continually demonstrate value creation beyond simple product delivery or basic support levels.
It can be considered to incentivize timely payment provided to the customers. Consequently, customers feel valued and connected to the partner, leading to longer associations driven by cooperation and loyalty rather than solely by strict legal agreements or one-time purchase orders.
Ultimately, this improved rapport strengthens brand reputation and enhances retention rates since content patrons remain invested in strengthening these positive connections as both parties focus on developing a win-win relationship. As such, net 45 cultivates enduring partnerships crucial for driving successful business expansion.
3. Helps in Getting Timely Payment & Avoiding Late Payments
An additional benefit of Net 45 revolves around its influence on managing credit risks and avoiding late payments or default scenarios. By granting purchasers more time to settle liabilities, sellers gain insights into shifting financial situations across various industries or economic conditions.
With a deepened understanding of buyers’ evolving circumstances, merchants can refine their credit assessments or institute preventative measures against non-payment hazards like setting minimum order thresholds or implementing automatic reorder systems.
These actions boost protection against invoice payments while upholding satisfactory DSO figures for securing bank loans or investor confidence.
Take Control of Your Finances
With Net 45 payment terms for individual clients using Moon Invoice.
Difference Between Net 30 & Net 45
| Feature | Net 45 Payment Terms | Net 30 Payment Terms |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum number of days allowed for payment | 45 days after the date of sale | 30 days after the date of the sale |
| Time taken for payment received | Later compared to a net 30 | Same as net 30 |
| Advantage | Enables efficient management of large projects due to greater leeway in making payments | Less flexibility for larger projects due to shorter payment deadline |
| Disadvantage | Higher likelihood of delayed payments since there is no urgency to make payments | No possibility of delayed payments |
Note: The table provides a concise comparison of key features between Net 45 and Net 30 payment invoice terms.
Pros of Net 45 Payment Terms
Now that you have grasped the concept of Net 45 days payment terms and the key difference between Net 30 & 45 – here are some crucial Pros & cons of it.
Allows for Greater Flexibility in Managing Cash Flow
With the Net 45 payment term, many businesses are given more time to collect funds from sales, which gives them greater flexibility when managing their cash flow.
This makes it easier for companies to manage their expenses without worrying about rushing to meet short payment deadlines as they send invoices promptly.
Reduces The Risk of Late Payments and Bad Debts
Net 45 payment terms allow independent freelancers to follow up with their customers if necessary and ensure timely payment, avoiding late fees.
Having more time means that vendors can reduce the chances of their clients missing payment deadlines and increase the likelihood that they will receive full payment for goods sold with payment reminders.
Encourages Stronger Customer Relationships
Extending Net 45 payment terms shows that you trust your client and believe in building a solid relationship in professional language. It also demonstrates goodwill towards your customer and creates a sense of reciprocity. Good working relationships help generate repeat business and referrals.
Cons of Net 45 Payment Terms
Not everything about this invoice payment term is in gold – there are some cons and drawbacks you need to keep in mind.
Increases Financial Risk
While Net 45 payment terms allow vendors more time to collect payments from their clients, they also expose them to increased financial risk. If payment isn’t collected at all, then the vendor could find themselves losing out financially.
May Cause Delays in Production Processes
For many businesses, not receiving timely payments might delay the supply chain process, causing production issues down the line.
This Could Lead to Lower Margins
Delayed payments mean vendors must wait longer to receive payment for their goods, resulting in reduced profits and margin compression even when the customer pays.
The Alternative of Net 45
Credit terms offered to customers can vary. Some alternatives to net 45 terms include:
- Due on Receipt: Payment is due immediately upon receipt of goods/services.
- Net 10, Net 15, Net 30, Net 60, Net 90 days payment term: Payment due within 10, 15, 30, 60, or 90 days.
- 45 Days End of Month (45 EOM): Invoice due 45 days after the end of the invoice month.
- COD: Cash/collect on delivery, payment made upon receiving goods for new clients.
- FOB: Invoiced when goods leave the warehouse (FOB Shipping Point) or reach the destination city (FOB Destination), commonly used for international shipments.
Businesses can have one common discount structure or use accounting software for itemizing invoices and have a competitive advantage over competitors.
Businesses can also use the early payment discount or special discount scheme for credit card payments.
Do You Want to Effortlessly Manage the Cash Flow?
And improve relationships with customers by upgrading to Moon Invoice’s Net 45 payment terms feature.
Send Invoices and Get Paid Quickly with Moon Invoice
By utilizing Moon Invoice to create professional, automated invoices and reminders, small business owners can streamline their invoice terms, billing process, reconcile accounts and improve their chances of getting paid quickly.
With a focus on security, simplicity, and affordability, Moon Invoice offers an easy solution for creating customized invoice itemizing tailored to each client’s needs. Whether you prefer the convenience of online invoicing or the personal touch of paper invoices, Moon Invoice has got you covered.
Plus, by following our tips for successful invoicing and staying organized, you can avoid common mistakes that could slow down the billing cycle and keep your income flowing smoothly.
FAQs
Jayanti Katariya is the founder & CEO of Moon Invoice, with over a decade of experience in developing SaaS products and the fintech industry. He holds a degree in engineering. Since 2011, Jayanti's expertise has helped thousands of businesses, from small startups to large enterprises, streamline invoicing, estimation, and accounting operations. His vision is to deliver top-tier financial solutions globally, ensuring efficient financial management for all business owners.
